A User-Centered Approach for New PPE Development: iWomen Case Study
Authors
- Susan L Sokolowski (University of Oregon)
- Linsey Griffin (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)
- Robin Carufel (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)
- Nokyeon Kim (University of Minnesota - Twin Cities)
- Huiju Park (Cornell University)
- David Shi (Cornell University)
- Kristen Morris (University of Missouri)
- Lida Aflatoony (University of Missouri)
- Ellen McKinney
(Iowa State University)
- Kelsie Leathers (Iowa State University)
- Yingying Wu (Kansas State University)
- Juyeon Park (Colorado State University)
- Brittany Conroy (Colorado State University)
- Miguel Carvalho (University of Minho)
Abstract
The interfaces of Personal Protective Product (PPE) systems have been long known for creating unsafe circumstances for users. For example, almost half of all U.S. firefighter injuries (46%) are strains, sprains, and muscular pain from fire ground operations, and 1 in 30 hazardous condition calls resulted with the firefighters being exposed to environmental hazards such as chemicals, vapors, and radioactive materials (Haynes & Molis, 2017). In firefighting, there is an intimate relationship with users and their PPE, as lives are at the stake due how well it fits and performs. As the firefighting population becomes more diversified; with the addition of women, different ethnicities and obese bodies, there is a need to better understand the user and their turnout gear interfaces.
How to Cite:
Sokolowski, S. L., Griffin, L., Carufel, R., Kim, N., Park, H., Shi, D., Morris, K., Aflatoony, L., McKinney, E., Leathers, K., Wu, Y., Park, J., Conroy, B. & Carvalho, M., (2018) “A User-Centered Approach for New PPE Development: iWomen Case Study”, International Textile and Apparel Association Annual Conference Proceedings 75(1).
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